U.S. Senate appointee Brian Schatz and Gov. Neil Abercrombie gather in the governor's office with members of the state Democratic Party central committee.

U.S. Sen.-designate Brian Schatz left for Washington aboard Air Force One tonight after he was selected by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to replace the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye.

Schatz, 40, will be sworn in Thursday so he can participate in Senate votes to avert a fiscal cliff of federal tax increases and spending cuts scheduled to take effect in January.

President Barack Obama cut short his annual Oahu vacation to work on the budget and other issues when Congress returns Thursday. He invited Schatz to join him on the flight, the White House said.

Schatz said he is "humbled" and "honored" by the appointment.

He said the first thing he would do is reach out to the rest of the delegation to establish Hawaii's game plan for the coming Congress.

Schatz said he would also reach out to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and to the White House on the pressing issues now before Congress.

"I am honored to serve in this capacity. ... If given the opportunity, I'll make Hawaii proud," Schatz said.

Next in line to be lieutenant governor is Senate President Shan Tsutsui of Maui. Abercrombie said Tsutsui is weighing it and must make a decision "promptly."

Schatz, a former Makiki state lawmaker and Democratic Party of Hawaii chairman, was elected lieutenant governor in 2010.

Abercrombie chose Schatz from a list of recommendations from the Democratic Party of Hawaii that included U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and and Esther Kiaaina, the deputy director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Inouye had asked Abercrombie to name Hanabusa, who represents urban Honolulu's 1st Congressional District, as his "last wish" before he died last week at 88 of respiratory complications.

Jennifer Sabas, Inouye's chief of staff, issued a statement, saying, "Sen. Inouye conveyed his final wish to Gov. Abercrombie. While we are very disappointed that it was not honored, it was the governor's decision to make. We wish Brian Schatz the best of luck."

Hanabusa congratulated Schatz and said she "will continue to work to serve the people of our state, and support our delegation's efforts."

"Having served as chair of the Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee when the succession law was passed, I fully respect the process and the governor's right to appoint a successor," Hanabusa said in a news release.

Schatz will become the state's senior senator. U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, who was elected in November to replace the retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, would be the junior senator.

Schatz will serve until voters in 2014 elect a senator to fill out the remainder of Inouye's six-year term, which runs through 2016. Schatz said he plans to run in 2014 and in 2016.

Schatz will be the youngest U.S. senator — for a few days. Mike Lee of Utah and Marco Rubio of Florida, both 41, are currently the youngest. Sen.-elect Chris Murphy of Connecticut will become the youngest at 39 when he is sworn in Jan. 3.

Inouye died Dec. 17 at 88 of respiratory complications.

The Democratic Party of Hawaii's state central committee heard from more than a dozen candidates this morning at the party's headquarters at Ward Warehouse before going into private executive session to come up with the short list.

Prior to Abercrombie's announcement, Hanabusa said in a video message from Washington D.C. that she is honored to have the senator's support but respects that it is the state central committee and the governor that will make the selection.

"Not one of us has any favorable rights to that position," she said. "Having said that, I also ask that each and every one of you consider what we are facing in Washington, D.C., and what his successor must be able to do. The most critical thing is they must be able to hit that ground running.

"We are being faced with major issues, the stability or our nation and our state is at risk. We are looking at the fiscal cliff. We are also looking at another debt ceiling debacle with the Republicans. And I believe that I have the qualifications to best address those concerns."

Schatz said that while no one could fill Inouye's shoes, he has the potential, because of his youth, to build up seniority over decades if he is appointed and supported by Democrats for election in 2014 and 2016.

"I want to be your senator because Hawaii's values need to be represented on the national stage, that compassion and a love of peace is a sign of strength, not of weakness, and that we can disagree without being disagreeable," he said.

U.S. Rep.-elect Tulsi Gabbard, who would be the first woman military veteran to serve in the Senate, also had applied for the seat. She said she has already made national connections since her November election that could be helpful to the islands.

"We're facing desperate times," she said. "Our new senators will have little power and no real seniority for at least 15 years. How can we solve this problem? We need someone in the U.S. Senate who will not only build seniority over time, but will immediately have influence and be effective despite the lack of seniority."

The state central committee, which allowed the public and the news media to witness the candidates' remarks, also heard from candidates former congressman Ed Case, state Senate Vice President Donna Mercado Kim, state Sen. Will Espero, Abercrombie deputy chief of staff Blake Oshiro and Oahu Democratic chairman and labor attorney Tony Gill.

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KeithHaugenwrote:

Let's hope that naming (in this story) only Dan's choice and the Star-Advertiser favorites, does not influence the Dem committee members. They should rise above politics as usual or the S-A endorsement and choose the three best candidates. That might include interested candidates who have some experience in the Senate, in Washington. Esther Kia`aina fits that bill with many years of experience working in the Senate. She may not have Dan's or the newspaper's endorsement, but she might well be the most qualified and the best choice for the job -- even if it means she will become our senior senator from Hawai`i with seniority over all the freshmen senators who will be sworn in next month. If he cannot make a decision from among the three who are recommended by the party's steering committee, perhaps Neil should appoint himself and let the LG step up to become Governor.

on December 26,2012 | 04:45AM

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LanaAlohawrote:

I think a lot of the applicants could do the job, but Tulsi Gabbard has the most potential to be a strong candidate in 2014 and she also has a lot of national stature already.

on December 26,2012 | 06:15AM

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Lanikealohawrote:

Appointing a younger candidate gives us the potential to build up more seniority, which is very important for Hawaii. I also think replacing a veteran with a veteran makes sense. Tulsi Gabbard is both young and a veteran, so she understands military and veterans' issues. The war in Afghanistan is draining our economy and military resources -- she understands we need to get out of there.

on December 26,2012 | 06:23AM

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Dawgwrote:

Tulsi dreaming? Don't get caught up in the hype. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done NOW not in the future.

on December 26,2012 | 07:17AM

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ala_akamaiwrote:

Dawg your underhanded attacks are unbecoming. People like Tulsi because they trust her and I agree with them. She has a good heart and the right motivation for serving Hawaii.

on December 26,2012 | 07:46AM

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Jsatowrote:

True. Tulsi has a good heart.

on December 26,2012 | 08:24AM

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alliewrote:

true..she just needs experience

on December 26,2012 | 11:22AM

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bumbyewrote:

Before the election, I read that people who served with Tulsi did not like her and would not vote for her.

on December 26,2012 | 01:36PM

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Eradicationwrote:

You heard wrong....

on December 26,2012 | 04:53PM

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Bumbywrote:

Don't get us mixed up. I am the original B.

on December 26,2012 | 09:56PM

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EducatedLocalBoywrote:

Tulsi doesn't have the experience or the aptitude to be a U.S. Senator. She is what my kids call a "poser" a pretty face who is good at posing for the camera but lacks substance. Abercrombie's failure to heed the recommendation of Sen. Inouye which was based on Inouye's careful analysis who who can best "hit the ground running" is more evidence as to why we need a recall law for politicians.

on December 26,2012 | 03:08PM

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alliewrote:

same was said of lingle...except the part about the face

on December 26,2012 | 03:24PM

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ISCREAMwrote:

With both Dan's gone we have the blind leading the blind leading the blind leading the blind...all of Hawaii's representation will be eaten for lunch. Hirono and Hanabusa did nothing in their first terms and we can expect nothing more.

on December 26,2012 | 04:57PM

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JoeKanewrote:

Personally I'm disappointed Tulsi Gabbard didn't make the list but out of that selection I would like to see Schatz in Senate.

on December 26,2012 | 11:25AM

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LanaAlohawrote:

Esther Kiaaina? This has to be a joke.

on December 26,2012 | 12:13PM

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Skylerwrote:

Wow. The SCC has shown they have nothing but contempt for the voters of HI who made it absolutely clear when Esther ran for Congress that we have no interest in her representing us in Washington. She received less than 6 % of the vote. What arrogance these people have.

on December 26,2012 | 12:21PM

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alliewrote:

Me too and I won the day!

on December 26,2012 | 03:08PM

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EducatedLocalBoywrote:

Allie, and it was true about Lingle, she was a "poser" or "photo hound" who didn't do anything positive for the state, and raided the state's surplus by giving Cayetano style "pay to play" crony state contracts to "beltway bandit" companies.

on December 26,2012 | 08:29PM

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alliewrote:

Agree..I like Tulsi but we need to see how she performs in office. By the way, a lot of people in here criticize her lack of formal education. But there is no educational requirement in the Constitution.

on December 26,2012 | 03:23PM

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turbolinkwrote:

How many times did you. Brag about sign waving for Ms Gabbard, or have you forgotten?

on December 26,2012 | 04:37PM

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saywhatyouthinkwrote:

What are you talking about? As far as I know, Tulsi is a captain in the army national guard, you don't get to be an officer without a college education. It appears you are the one lacking formal education.

on December 26,2012 | 04:38PM

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Hodadwrote:

Tulsi is a fraud, not very smart and a tool of her cult. You will see. I ask you, is she a left winger or a right winger or as I suspect; whatever is convenient. Is she, like her dad is she a homophobe or is she.....well

on December 30,2012 | 01:44AM

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ala_akamaiwrote:

Lanikealoha has an important point. The Senate urgently needs more women and veterans; that's Tulsi.

on December 26,2012 | 07:42AM

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Jsatowrote:

Hawaii's position is unique in regard to military issues. Having a veteran like Tulsi in Senate would play out well for Hawaii.

on December 26,2012 | 08:28AM

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scooterswrote:

Gender should NOT play a role in the decision. So get off it.. we've already got TWO women "do nothings" in Washington..

on December 26,2012 | 10:14AM

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IAmSanewrote:

I think the point that the person you were replying to was making is that women are under-represented in the Senate. Which is true.

on December 26,2012 | 12:34PM

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SteveToowrote:

Yea but she's an Obama supporter. Vet or not I couldn't vote for her and I'm a vet that can't stand Obama.

on December 26,2012 | 02:20PM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

The Chairman of President Obama's campaign for the Presidency in Hawaii in 2008 was just appointed to the seat.

on December 26,2012 | 02:27PM

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artworkwrote:

What a joke! Abercrummie in his silly attempt to cease power, just flushed everything that Senator Dan had on the backburner down the toilet. Is this one of those new days, guv? Maybe one day you'll get it right ... maybe not.

on December 26,2012 | 03:51PM

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EducatedLocalBoywrote:

Skyler, the SCC is controlled by Abercrombie oriented members.

on December 26,2012 | 03:11PM

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JoeKanewrote:

I saw Tulsi on TV at the democratic national convention - I've seen her on CNN, MSNBC, on the cover of USA Today - she's impressive. That kind of star power can only help Hawaii now and in the future.

on December 26,2012 | 06:35AM

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ross13moonwrote:

True, but Tulsi is young and has lots of time to to manuever for top position(s)....consider that Hanabusa was Dan's choice, he still has a lot of influence, even in death...if Hanabusa is not choosen, she could consider returning to Hawaii, and run against Neil for Governor in 2014 using her status as "Dan's Choice" to defeat a politically weak Neil.

on December 26,2012 | 07:12AM

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Dawgwrote:

Amen.

on December 26,2012 | 07:18AM

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scooterswrote:

Hanabusa as Governor?.LOL.. One "do nothing governor" after another? Really, that's what this states needs?

on December 26,2012 | 10:17AM

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walaau808wrote:

Who would be your choice? All you do is criticize...

on December 26,2012 | 11:55AM

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Shawn211wrote:

Hawaii doesn't need "Hollywood Star Power". She hasn't done anything for the State of Hawaii.

on December 26,2012 | 02:00PM

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Dawgwrote:

Tulsi is unproven. All we need is for her to 'choke' and hand the seat to a strong Republican candidate like Duke.

on December 26,2012 | 07:16AM

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ala_akamaiwrote:

There's no way that will happen. Tulsi beat Mufi even when she had barely any name recognition to start with. She has the best chance to beat a Republican in 2014, according to a political blog that I read: http://timothyrlynch.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/the-hawaii-vacancy/

on December 26,2012 | 07:41AM

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hawaiikonewrote:

Actually, Mufi beat Mufi. Tulsi beat a homeless guy. She may turn out to be a good representative, time will tell. But for now, someone with more experience would serve us better. Case has the credentials, and is moderate, an important quality right now.

on December 26,2012 | 08:38AM

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ala_akamaiwrote:

The voters already decided they don't want Case in the Senate. The appointment shouldn't override the voters' voice.

on December 26,2012 | 09:06AM

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scooterswrote:

it's the Governor's choice..not the voters..fool

on December 26,2012 | 10:23AM

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IAmSanewrote:

"Tulsi beat a homeless guy."

That sounds so wrong when taken out of context. Haha.

on December 26,2012 | 12:36PM

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OB1NONO_MEwrote:

We in CD2 voted against Mufi in the primary and not so much for Tulsi. Tulsi defeated a homeless guy in the general.

on December 26,2012 | 12:48PM

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EducatedLocalBoywrote:

Hawaiikone, I agree -- Mufi was his worst enemy. Tulsi just "lucked out" and won as a protest vote and being a good poser for pictures.

on December 26,2012 | 08:32PM

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scooterswrote:

Oh and who put that blog out? Demo's?

on December 26,2012 | 10:23AM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

"Duke" Wayne would have a better chance in an election in this state than Duke Aiona.

on December 26,2012 | 09:15AM

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lee1957wrote:

Ham Sandwich (D-HI) would beat any unnamed Republican.

on December 26,2012 | 10:36AM

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GorillaSmithwrote:

The way this is headed, our Senators will be Spam Musubi 1 (D-HI) and Spam Musubi 2 (D-HI). It's hard to tell whether to laugh or cry at this spectacle.

on December 26,2012 | 11:54AM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

Based on his pick this afternoon, I guess our Governor doesn't share your sense of cynical race-based politics.

on December 26,2012 | 01:18PM

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GorillaSmithwrote:

I agree with you. This could have been a lot worse.

on December 26,2012 | 03:27PM

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ghstarwrote:

Duke who?
Seriously, the only real Republican with any credibility is Charles D'Jou, who ran a pretty good campaign in 2012 and would have had a good shot at taking Hanabusa's seat in the election had she been picked for Inoye's seat. Let Brian fill the seat for a while and see how he does. No harm, no foul.

on December 26,2012 | 07:52PM

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Ronin006wrote:

I do not think Tulsi will be on the short list. She comes from a very conservative family and had a conservative upbringing. I believe she is not liberal enough for the Democrat Party to put her on the short list.

on December 26,2012 | 09:06AM

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saywhatyouthinkwrote:

Just wait till all those who voted for her find out she's really a republican pretending to be a democrat to get elected in a blue state. She's a pretty face with good public speaking skills but doesn't have the same values and beliefs that most people in Hawaii have.

on December 26,2012 | 04:48PM

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poidragonwrote:

Ms. Gabbard and Ms. Hanabusa were both voted by the citizens of the State of Hawaii to fill both vacancies in the House of Representatives in Washington D.C., and have a fiduciary duty to carry out those duties; if they choose not to do so, it is a slap in the face to the people who voted to elect them to that particular office!

on December 26,2012 | 11:11AM

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alliewrote:

neither one is impressive at this point

on December 26,2012 | 11:23AM

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ala_akamaiwrote:

I think Tulsi would have made a good choice, but since she's not on the list, it seems Schatz would be the logical selection.

on December 26,2012 | 11:33AM

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EducatedLocalBoywrote:

Poidragon, under that logic the same thing applies to Schatz.

on December 26,2012 | 08:34PM

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alliewrote:

she was not chosen hon

on December 26,2012 | 11:21AM

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niceyniceywrote:

Can you stop calling people "hon"?

on December 26,2012 | 06:54PM

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alliewrote:

maybe but she was not chosen

on December 26,2012 | 12:08PM

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OB1NONO_MEwrote:

Kia'aina!!!!!

on December 26,2012 | 12:45PM

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Lanikaulawrote:

no you're dreaming..

on December 26,2012 | 01:16PM

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falsewrote:

Hawaiian names in politics are too foreign to have access to resources. It would be foolish to go that route and think that there would be any influence. Schatz was a great call for the good of Hawaii. He fits the bill really well.

on December 26,2012 | 02:18PM

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64hoowrote:

shes a joke in my opinion

on December 26,2012 | 02:46PM

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jesswrote:

We need Tulsi in the house where we don't have a majority! I agree she's great, but much more needed in the house.

on December 26,2012 | 03:07PM

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ross13moonwrote:

in reality the Dems have had an idea of Dan's replacement for the last 10 years...all the "positioning" by every Democrat is so blantant

on December 26,2012 | 07:04AM

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aomohoawrote:

Are we capable of rising above politics as usual? LOL!

on December 26,2012 | 09:19AM

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alliewrote:

Esther is an OHA person and thus cannot represent more than 20% of the population. Bryan seems the best bet. At least he can represent everyone.

on December 26,2012 | 11:21AM

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ala_akamaiwrote:

I agree Bryan would be a good choice at this point.

on December 26,2012 | 11:30AM

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walaau808wrote:

Just because she is Hawaiian? You're more of a bigot than we all thought...

on December 26,2012 | 11:57AM

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alliewrote:

Not her race..her postions on OHA and her professed hatred of America as reported in the news. I cannot support anyone, regardless of race, who cannot fairly represent all races and ethnicities.

on December 26,2012 | 12:10PM

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IAmSanewrote:

"her professed hatred of America as reported in the news"

You got a source to back that up, hon?

on December 26,2012 | 12:40PM

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alliewrote:

I heard her on KITV blasting America for imaginary crimes while she quietly deposited her federal checks. She is no worse than the average phony out here though.

on December 26,2012 | 12:51PM

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IAmSanewrote:

I have a hard time believing that, hon. "I heard her on KITV" is kind of hard to verify, ya?

on December 26,2012 | 01:50PM

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falsewrote:

and you do that, represent more than "what's that place" you come from?

on December 26,2012 | 02:20PM

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copperwire9wrote:

You're generally disgusting, allie, and sublimely ignorant.

on December 26,2012 | 03:13PM

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alliewrote:

I just report what others are thinking

on December 26,2012 | 03:18PM

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turbolinkwrote:

Why not try limiting your comments to credible statements? Would save you a lot of typing.

on December 26,2012 | 04:39PM

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falsewrote:

Sorry, it's not bigotry, it's historical reality.

on December 26,2012 | 02:19PM

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alliewrote:

Huh? I justs aid she neevr indicated she could represent ALL who live here. Not just OHA. Is that too much to ask?

on December 26,2012 | 03:11PM

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saywhatyouthinkwrote:

You don't like Hawaiians do you?

on December 26,2012 | 04:54PM

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turbolinkwrote:

Must get uncomfortable since you say you have a Hawaiian roommate that often serves as your reference source authority for your ridiculous comments on Hawaiian life.

on December 26,2012 | 05:27PM

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jameschingwrote:

well brian schatz is a jew and doesn't represent anyone in Hawaii. schatz is not born in hawaii. attended and graduated from a private secondary and post secondary school. schatz represented a upper wealthy and professional district in the state house for eight years. how does these facts display schatz as representing the local population and the host indigenous population?

on December 26,2012 | 11:58AM

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alliewrote:

race is irrelevant..values and ideas are. Bryan is our choice! Hanabusa has too many dark corners in her troubled past

on December 26,2012 | 12:11PM

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alliewrote:

My information was good! Brian won! A good choice really.

on December 26,2012 | 03:09PM

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alliewrote:

I think Schatz is honest and the best choice.

on December 26,2012 | 12:08PM

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turbolinkwrote:

Here's a thought. Why not sit back and watch Hawaii politics work without your uninformed opinions, then you can take our failed system, as you characterize it, back to North Dakota as a bad example.

on December 26,2012 | 12:41PM

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alliewrote:

We have rational, common sense poilitics in ND. What is amazing out here is that you people keep recycling mediocrities. Get some real talent!

on December 26,2012 | 12:52PM

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ichibanwrote:

Nope--Schatz has blank slate. Yes he was with Young Democrats of Hawaii (I think that's the association). Yes he'a the Lt. Gov., but he is still a newbie to politics. My opinion; I think he is too ambitious, greedy for status and power and not his own man. He would not be the best choice for the Senate seat, but the best choice for the Dem party in Hawaii because it leaves the Dem party with more options.

on December 26,2012 | 12:46PM

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OB1NONO_MEwrote:

Kia'aina!!!!!

on December 26,2012 | 12:45PM

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alliewrote:

I called Brian's choice yesterday. I spoke with a democratic insider. Hanabusa was blocked by a powerful wing of the party

on December 26,2012 | 03:08PM

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alliewrote:

I predicted this yesterday. Insiders indicated he was going to take it. Hanabusa was named one of three not to embarrass Dan's followers but she has a lot of problems associated with her. Brian was the best candidate

on December 26,2012 | 03:22PM

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turbolinkwrote:

Had we only listened to you. We forgot...how many times have you told us you have a high IQ? Allie, the problem is you have no credibility due to uninformed, often negative comments toward a state where you are a guest. So if you genuinely had insider information, good for you, but nobody cared because of the maize of il-conceived comments you make ad nauseum.

on December 26,2012 | 03:43PM

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alliewrote:

actually what i said yesterday was correct.

on December 26,2012 | 04:24PM

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turbolinkwrote:

You don't get it. Nobody cares because of your long stream of inconsistent and often irrational comments.

on December 26,2012 | 04:41PM

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turbolinkwrote:

Actually you told us it would be a surprise dark horse candidate. Hawaii News Now widely reported that Lt Gov Schatz had the inside track on Monday.

on December 26,2012 | 07:15PM

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GrLan21wrote:

My reliable sources tell me that both Schatz and Gabbard are extremely ambitious and power-hungry. I question whether they want to be Senator for all the wrong reasons.
And Don't let Gabbard fool you -- she is a Hari Krishna and NOT a Hindu as she claims. The people deserve to know the truth about her religious views.
Blake Oshiro would be a bad choice. He has no experience in the Federal Government whatsoever...

on December 26,2012 | 05:24AM

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LanaAlohawrote:

This is the kind of religious bigotry floated out by a few out of town fanatics that the people of Hawaii soundly rejected. Have your opinion, but don't be a bigot.

on December 26,2012 | 06:16AM

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Dawgwrote:

No need to make it personal. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, even you and your beliefs. Aloha!

on December 26,2012 | 07:22AM

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JoeKanewrote:

Sad how some people resort to smear tactics. The people of Hawaii are too full of aloha to swallow that cr*p.

on December 26,2012 | 06:29AM

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Kawipoowrote:

Yeah what ever you say!

on December 26,2012 | 12:09PM

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localguywrote:

GrLan21 - Your reliable source? Give us a break, no one believes your shibai posting. Obviously a product of the Nei's backward education system, you fail to see the entire political picture.

on December 26,2012 | 07:15AM

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Dawgwrote:

Amen! We need to keep our eyes on Tulsi! The girl has a big appetite. Has anyone heard her views on family, motherhood and marriage? Is there something missing in this character?

on December 26,2012 | 07:20AM

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ala_akamaiwrote:

Hang on there, Dawg, didn't you just say "no need to make it personal" - then you immediately put out this vague, negative innuendo about Tulsi? Tulsi is a nice person and would never try to smear other people like that. That's why I am supporting her because we need more people with the real spirit of aloha in Congress, both House and Senate. I don't care which chamber she's in. I'm just glad she was elected because she is very caring and has the right motivation and spirit to represent the people of Hawaii. If you want to plug for Colleen or some other applicant, just say so. But trying to tear down other applicants only undermines your message.

on December 26,2012 | 07:53AM

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islandhulawrote:

Well said, ala_akamai!!

on December 26,2012 | 10:19AM

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saywhatyouthinkwrote:

You mean her "old views" or the "new views"? She's changed just about a position she ever had on social issues in just the last year or so to get elected to congress. Just a few years ago she was spouting anti gay propaganda at the state legislature and railing against equal rights for gays and lesbians just like her father has always done.
Which do you think is the "real" Tulsi?

on December 26,2012 | 05:02PM

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aomohoawrote:

How about separation of religion and government. What does her religion have to do with anything?

on December 26,2012 | 09:21AM

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alliewrote:

true

on December 26,2012 | 12:11PM

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scooterswrote:

Really a Hari Krishna? That's bad Ju-Ju..

on December 26,2012 | 10:25AM

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primo1wrote:

What does religion have to do with it...she could be a knife-wielding wiccan for all I care, as long as she can do the job (which I don't think she can).

on December 26,2012 | 10:47AM

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bumbyewrote:

Yeah, and her real name is Tulasi.

on December 26,2012 | 01:45PM

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falsewrote:

Power hungry goes with Aber...

on December 26,2012 | 02:22PM

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BTOwrote:

I believe she took her oath for public office by placing her hand on the Quaran which is a muslim book of teaching.

on December 26,2012 | 03:20PM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

It was the Kama Sutra.

on December 26,2012 | 03:29PM

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realist3463wrote:

Watch Neil appoint himself.

on December 26,2012 | 05:47AM

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ichibanwrote:

No way. If he did he knows he would not be ELECTED into the office in 2014.

on December 26,2012 | 06:38AM

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scooterswrote:

He could go to Colorado when he could legally use Maui-Wow'e..

on December 26,2012 | 10:28AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

Either Tulsa is really really tall or the guy on her right is really really short.

on December 26,2012 | 06:34AM

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ross13moonwrote:

Obviously you have seen Neil in person.

on December 26,2012 | 07:14AM

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ross13moonwrote:

I meant to say you have NEVER seen neil in person

on December 26,2012 | 07:50AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

When I go to events that features him, I can hear his voice coming from somewhere but I can never see him. May be I should look down for a change.

on December 26,2012 | 09:40AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

The most common sense appointment would be Ed Case but of course common sense is not so common anymore so I expect Neil to appoint Bryan Shatz. Appointing Colleen Hanabusa or Tulsi Gabbard would only leave their seat vulnerable to Charles Djou (he already won one special election) and cost Hawaii taxpayers millions for a special elections. Besides I know women think it's their birthright to change their minds but this is the real world with real dollars and not a game of musical chairs.

on December 26,2012 | 06:40AM

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loquaciousonewrote:

Uh oh did I really post that....honey can I come home tonight?

on December 26,2012 | 06:42AM

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Dawgwrote:

CASE CLOSED! He could end up being an R in drag!

on December 26,2012 | 07:23AM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

You might want to actually talk to Mr. Case. You would quickly find out he is a Democrat through and through.

on December 26,2012 | 07:48AM

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artworkwrote:

Hopefully Case is through, if ya know what I mean.

on December 26,2012 | 04:08PM

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alliewrote:

he was not chosen anyway. Many resent him for his past behavior

on December 26,2012 | 11:23AM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

And many don't. It's politics, and in hindsight, he was right about the succession issues.

on December 26,2012 | 11:46AM

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walaau808wrote:

He was, but he certainly didn't play his cards right. He was impatient and it cost him.

on December 26,2012 | 12:00PM

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walaau808wrote:

Why appoint someone who the people clearly don't care for?

on December 26,2012 | 11:59AM

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KeithHaugenwrote:

Ed Case is a good man and would be a good Senator. I'm sure many voice concern over Ed because they don't think of him as a Democrat.

Interesting? Yes. But fortunately he is a longer term thinker than that.

on December 26,2012 | 11:11AM

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alliewrote:

Gov is a light weight and way too old

on December 26,2012 | 11:24AM

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artworkwrote:

but he managed to get his puppet into the Senate.

on December 26,2012 | 04:11PM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

He didn't put his name into consideration nor did the Committee recommend him as one of the 3. It appears he never had any intention of appointing himself.

on December 26,2012 | 11:10AM

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eggheadwrote:

I think Neil should appoint Schatz. Very disappointed to see Gabbard throw her name in the hat. She should have fulfilled her commitment for the House before trying to move onto a bigger office....I believe she made it a big campaign issue against Mufi.

on December 26,2012 | 06:56AM

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Dawgwrote:

The girl is on an ego thrust! Very very dangerous even to herself.

on December 26,2012 | 07:25AM

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Jsatowrote:

Tulsi is clearly a rising star in the Dem party and should be considered. I don't think candidates who have already been passed over by the voters should be on the list. That wouldn't make sense.

on December 26,2012 | 08:43AM

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walaau808wrote:

Tulsi hasn't done a darned thing for us as a Representative! How in the world should she be considered for the Senate? Let's not anoint her as anything, until she can prove that it isn't only smoke and mirrors!

on December 26,2012 | 12:02PM

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alliewrote:

she was not seelcted. She needs to prove herself first

on December 26,2012 | 12:53PM

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islandhulawrote:

For Tulsi to "throw her name in the hat" was the right thing to do.

on December 26,2012 | 10:22AM

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OB1NONO_MEwrote:

It was the right thing to do if you have no loyalty to your constituency.

on December 26,2012 | 12:51PM

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saywhatyouthinkwrote:

Yea... if your driven by blind ambition and greed for power.
I think she showed her true colors by just "applying" for this open seat in the senate. I'm somewhat shocked that Abercrombie and so many other people from Hawaii think it's ok to ignore the last wishes of Inouye, who served Hawaii better than anyone else..... ever.

on December 26,2012 | 05:09PM

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JoeKanewrote:

Tulsi offered and that was the right thing to do for Hawaii- but since she didn't make the list let's hope Neil appoints Schatz.

on December 26,2012 | 11:29AM

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alliewrote:

agree..by far the best choice

on December 26,2012 | 12:12PM

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Lanikaulawrote:

Well, let the games begin: speculating. Everyone seems to know something. i understand that there was a name of a 'darkhorse' mentioned in recent news whom i KNOW has THE most experience & knowledge of the "pu'u i'ole", the 'hill rats'...Esther Kia'aina. She's been there longer then ANY of the current reps. Having been mentored by previous & almost previous senators, having the knowledge of creating and shepherding bills, acquainted w/the dynamics, mechanics & personalities, she has walked the halls through Congress for over 20 years. She would be the perfect, non-baggaged rep. The reason she seems to be unknown here in Hawaii is the reason why the aforementioned is important to understand. it's not like she's unaware of the 'politics' here. Having this 'pono', balance/experience here in Hawaii and there in Congress is very important. Our recent retiree reps have spent too much time, yearning to get back to Congress and instead only 'visited' their island home and constituents in Hawai'i occasionally...a 'disconnect' that bred cronyism leadership and decisions. People, voters have become disinterested and therefore some 'bad laws' detrimental to some in particular the Native Hawaiians have led to an EMPTY Apology Bill and a divisive Akaka Bill. Ua mau ke 'ea o ka 'aina i ka pono! LIVE IT!

on December 26,2012 | 07:09AM

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nonpoliticwrote:

As I recall, Ms. Kia`aina has some "baggage." Didn't she work for Senator Akaka and then jump over to work for Ed Case's campaign when Case tried to unseat Akaka? She was certainly a persona non grata among both U.S. Senators' staffs for quite a while. In listening to her discuss Hawaiian and other issues as the OHA political operative (I have no idea if she's done anything since Governor Abercrombie "took care of her" by giving her a job at DLNR after her failed congressional bid), she comes off as almost vapid, with precious little understanding of public policy issues or the operation of government at any level.

on December 26,2012 | 08:11AM

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alliewrote:

well said..I noted the same above. She is a two-faced phony. Not sure why her name was thrown in there.

on December 26,2012 | 12:54PM

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Lanikaulawrote:

Well, let the games begin: speculating. Everyone seems to know something. i understand that there was a name of a 'darkhorse' mentioned in recent news whom i KNOW has THE most experience & knowledge of the "pu'u i'ole", the 'hill rats'...Esther Kia'aina. She's been there longer then ANY of the current reps. Having been mentored by previous & almost previous senators, having the knowledge of creating and shepherding bills, acquainted w/the dynamics, mechanics & personalities, she has walked the halls through Congress for over 20 years. She would be the perfect, non-baggaged rep. The reason she seems to be unknown here in Hawaii is the reason why the aforementioned is important to understand. it's not like she's unaware of the 'politics' here. Having this 'pono', balance/experience here in Hawaii and there in Congress is very important. Our recent retiree reps have spent too much time, yearning to get back to Congress and instead only 'visited' their island home and constituents in Hawai'i occasionally...a 'disconnect' that bred cronyism leadership and decisions. People, voters have become disinterested and therefore some 'bad laws' detrimental to some in particular the Native Hawaiians have led to an EMPTY Apology Bill and a divisive Akaka Bill. Ua mau ke 'ea o ka 'aina i ka pono! LIVE IT!

on December 26,2012 | 07:12AM

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alliewrote:

No hon. The apology should be given by hawaiians to America and to all who live here who have been blasted for no reason.

on December 26,2012 | 12:55PM

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fishwriderwrote:

This comment has been deleted.

on December 26,2012 | 01:04PM

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alliewrote:

We Mandans are a powerful people. We outlast our enemies!

on December 26,2012 | 03:13PM

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turbolinkwrote:

You outlast your enemies...how many full blooded Mandans are left? As I recall, someone here researched it and the last one died in the 70s.

on December 26,2012 | 03:46PM

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alliewrote:

I saID I was mixed mandan and white. Said that months ago. Check my Facebook. Geesh.

on December 26,2012 | 04:26PM

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turbolinkwrote:

You just said "we Mandans are a powerful people, we outlast your enemies." Can't you keep your story straight? Nobody cares about your Facebook, though I'm certain you consider it superior to anyone else's.

on December 26,2012 | 04:46PM

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DonkeyCurlwrote:

Come to Nalo Country, I'll Indian slap you all the way to your reservation! Hide behind your computer....monkey!

on December 26,2012 | 08:26PM

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saywhatyouthinkwrote:

perhaps the federal government should revoke the "recognition" granted to other native americans, including Mandans? What do you think about that? What, not fair? It's the same as what you're saying about Hawaiians..... that's not fair, you are a guest in this state receiving a subsidy from it's taxpayers to go to a state public university yet you disrepect this state at every opportunity. Take your sorry a** home to ND already before the locals tune you up.

on December 26,2012 | 05:17PM

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Lanikaulawrote:

EH! Doesn't ANYONE FULLY serve the office's that they have been ALREADY voted in anymore! NONE of these candidates have fulfilled ONE TERM locally or nationally! What makes them more qualified then Esther KIA'AINA?!

on December 26,2012 | 07:15AM

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nonpoliticwrote:

Ms. Hanabusa has completed all her terms in elected office. If you're referencing the one she's just been elected to, that term hasn't even started yet. That one begins January 16th when the next Congress is sworn in. However, Ms. Gabbard is the most egregrious when it comes to not finishing elected terms of office with two (if you're including her vying to become a U.S. Senator without evening starting the U.S. Representative term), and possibly three elected positions left vacant (I'm not quite sure if she left her state House seat or just decided not to run again in order to be eligible for active deployment to a combat zone). In me memory, for Mr. Schatz, Mr. Espero, and Ms. Kim, this will be their first.

on December 26,2012 | 09:09AM

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islandhulawrote:

They are all good candidates. Tulsi left the State House instead of running for re-election to put her life on the line. Few leaders would do that.

on December 26,2012 | 10:32AM

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walaau808wrote:

I hate to be a cynic, but let's not believe for one second that entering the military wasn't part of her plan for her current choice of employment. She's not stupid by any means, only very organized and calculating and that's not a bad thing. She clearly knows what she wants, and that may or may not come at taxpayer expense...only time will tell.

on December 26,2012 | 12:05PM

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alliewrote:

true

on December 26,2012 | 04:26PM

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saywhatyouthinkwrote:

Oh come on now.... she's a woman and anarmy captain, they're not going to send her to the front line or out on patrol. The risk was minimal and calculated to enhance her political career at home. I hear she went to Afganistan preaching anti gay propaganda but came back believing everyone derserves equal rights, or so she says. Do you believe that one too? It's all in the grand plan, pretty face, goodpublic speaking skills... all she needed to suceed was the right ideology.... which she apparently found in the middle east.

on December 26,2012 | 05:27PM

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eastside808wrote:

Didnt like that Hanabusa was suggested as Senator Inouye's replacement. However, seeing the list of people interested in filling the vacant seat would indicate that Hanabusa fits the current bill. Those freshman congressional representatives should do their time in Congress first before seeking higher office... Am a little disappointed.

on December 26,2012 | 07:21AM

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Dawgwrote:

Can you imagine even Esther thinks she got the stuff. What a joke!

on December 26,2012 | 07:25AM

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JoeKanewrote:

I think Esther would give it her best and do an okay job of it but personally I'm hoping for Schatz he seems more personable.
- But good luck to all of them!

on December 26,2012 | 11:35AM

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Lanikaulawrote:

Doesn't ANYONE serve their ELECTED terms anymore?

on December 26,2012 | 07:27AM

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eggheadwrote:

yes...once you get into the US Senate....then you stay for life.

on December 26,2012 | 08:12AM

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Lanikealohawrote:

Yes so Esther would also be a good choice.

on December 26,2012 | 11:07AM

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saywhatyouthinkwrote:

No doubt Esther could do the job, she's more experienced in washington politics than all the other folks put together. That said.... she's just not a very likable candidate or very good at public speaking so chances are she couldn't get elected to the state senate much less any higher office.

on December 26,2012 | 05:31PM

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redneckMTwrote:

Dan's "last wish" is not law.

on December 26,2012 | 07:33AM

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alliewrote:

Dan was not all that great at the end..his best eyars were in the first 30 years or so of his reign

on December 26,2012 | 03:13PM

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kukui_nutwrote:

A good balance would be a male and a female representing Hawaii in the US Senate.

on December 26,2012 | 07:43AM

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nonpoliticwrote:

Seniority means nothing without the ability to command the respect of your peers through action, foresight, leadership, integrity, trust, and most of all, the ability to get the things you say you're going to do, done. Saying that Hawaii needs a young appointed US Senator right now to start accruing seniority does not guarantee the fact that the person will accrue such seniority. The person may not get re-elected, may choose to run for another office, or, heaven forbid, die young of natural or other causes. No one here can claim to know what will happen in the future. Therefore, the most prudent course of action would be to appoint someone with proven capabilities and attributes. Of those thus far mentioned, it seems that the only one that has already been proven to possess such traits is Ms. Hanabusa. Lt. Governor Schatz is a nice, well-meaning young man, but he has never really been a true leader or accomplished spearheading and implementing any real public policy initiatives. Additionally, chairing a successful Obama campaign in Hawaii is tantamount to saying that he chaired the campaign to ensure that the sun will rise in the morning. Who realistically thought that Hawaii voters would vote against a native son? Tulsi Gabbard has shown that she is not interested in finishing anything. She quit being a state representative (although for laudible purposes), she quit being a city councilwoman, now she's quitting being a U.S. representative even before she's been sworn in. Unmitigated ambition does not help the state. It seems Ms. Gabbard is more interested in moving herself up the political ladder rather than staying put and accomplishing anything. While Ms. Gabbard could be considered a bright, emerging political star for the future, her past politcal history is devoid of any accomplishment. Being younger than the average politician shouldn't be the sole measure by which selecting a U.S. Senator is selected. Hawaii is at a critical juncture in time where we need strong congressional representation NOW, not only 30 years in the future. Sadly, with all that's going on in Congress right now, we can't take the chance on anyone who doesn't already know what to do. If the Democratic Party is so worried about Charles Djou winning a "winner take all" special election, they should seriously consider forcing their current stable of elected officials to, for once, eschew personal gain and the constant need to feed their inflated egos, and marshall their elected officals and party members to get behind a single, electable candidate for CD1. Otherwise, they'll be calling Charles Djou, Congressman Djou again. Personally, I do not look forward to doing that again.

on December 26,2012 | 07:45AM

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alliewrote:

well said. And no one among this limited list will ever be a heavy weight no matter how many years they may serve

on December 26,2012 | 12:13PM

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fishwriderwrote:

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on December 26,2012 | 01:05PM

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alliewrote:

ummm..5'9" 115. Look at facebook photos. Geesh

on December 26,2012 | 03:14PM

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saywhatyouthinkwrote:

why would anyone want to do that? Go back to your reservation you anti hawaiian hater

on December 26,2012 | 05:37PM

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ponowaiwrote:

Then why did you say schotz is a good choice? Stop talking out of both sides of your mouth.

on December 26,2012 | 05:53PM

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DABLACKwrote:

Whomever the governor select, it may not be what we wanted. But that person will need support. We read a lot of personal "comments from the peanut gallery". It will get worse before it'll get any better. We gotta "kokua" the chosen one.

on December 26,2012 | 08:37AM

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Jsatowrote:

Good point.

on December 26,2012 | 08:39AM

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Wazdatwrote:

I am all for women power, BUT should we not have at least 1 man in congress from Hawaii ??

on December 26,2012 | 08:39AM

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hawaiikonewrote:

I think the idea is that we get the best person, male or female. Ed Case is the obvious choice given that as the sole qualifier.

on December 26,2012 | 09:10AM

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walaau808wrote:

If he was that obvious, he would've won a election by now. He obviously isn't what the people of Hawaii want...that's painfully obvious!

on December 26,2012 | 12:07PM

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hawaiikonewrote:

From a casual look at history, what the voters of Hawaii want and what is best are more often than not two different things.

on December 26,2012 | 12:16PM

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saywhatyouthinkwrote:

He'll run against abercrombie in 2014 and I bet he wins. The troll has been a bad governor, time to retire already.

on December 26,2012 | 05:38PM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

If I were Neil....I'd appoint myself.

Why not? At the end of a career it would be nice to have been a Representative, Governor and Senator. The appointment is only two years which is manageable for a guy in his 70s. Great perks and bennies and he can still wield a giant stick over Hawaii politics and the Machine. Certainly his colleague Lazy Mazie won't be much competition for attention so he can be a hero working tirelessly to maintain the flow of pork. If people don't like self-appointment, stuff them, who cares. Finally, he can escape from Hawaii without having to fulfill all those promises and later can claim he had it all figured out but Schatzie couldn't follow through. Heck, he can even say that Dan would have chosen him over Colleen except Dan didn't realize Neil was willing to do the job.

Winner! Well, maybe not for us. But for Neil, absolutely.

on December 26,2012 | 08:50AM

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Ronin006wrote:

Mazie is about to lose her status and seniority as the next US senator from Hawaii. That honor will go to whoever Governor Abercrombie selects. Mazie must be fuming

on December 26,2012 | 08:51AM

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Newsizswrote:

I'm with Lanikaula, "Doesn't ANYONE serve their ELECTED terms anymore?" I know Ms. Gabbard is the current "it girl" star, but has she even served ONE full term of ANY elected position?

on December 26,2012 | 08:54AM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

No.

on December 26,2012 | 10:15AM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

Actually, she served her entire one and only term in the State House.

on December 26,2012 | 11:16AM

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walaau808wrote:

Woohoo, big deal!

on December 26,2012 | 12:07PM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

Uhhh, didn't say it was. I don't think she is ready either (and neither did the Committee apparently). Just setting the record straight. If people are going to make up their minds about someone's record, they should at least do it based on fact.

on December 26,2012 | 12:18PM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

That's true and thanks for the correction. It is super double sad when her only full term served is so completely forgettable but facts are facts.

on December 26,2012 | 01:05PM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

Not a problem, none of us are perfect. Ms. Gabbard does have some promise, but it would do her well to establish a voting record and show the voters she can DO a job as well as she PURSUES a job. She's got lots of time now that the Governor has appointed Lt. Gov. Schatz.

on December 26,2012 | 01:29PM

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saywhatyouthinkwrote:

Not true, she left to go with her national guard unit to afganistan.

on December 26,2012 | 05:44PM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

At the end of her term. Do your homework before you dispute fact.

on December 26,2012 | 09:37PM

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saywhatyouthinkwrote:

No... but she's got a pretty face and speaks really well in public. All she needed was the right ideology to get elected to congress, she found that in afganistan I hear, came back a different person. No more spouting of anti gay propaganda anymore.

on December 26,2012 | 05:42PM

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ponowaiwrote:

Not if they're Democrats.

on December 26,2012 | 05:55PM

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Kuokoawrote:

Let us not allow the "god father" to control us from the grave. I believe that Ed Case should be appointed because 1) he already has experience 2) it would cost us the tax payers less not having a special election if any of those already in Congressappointed. Come on man! let's be sensible about all of this. Whatever happens, Hawaii will have all junior Senators and Representatives in Congress. Inouye thought he was helping Hawaii by staying on as long as he has but in the end it hurt us. Abercrombie should have stayed in the House and now would have been the senior person in Congress and maybe would have suceeded Inouye. Hind sight!

on December 26,2012 | 09:02AM

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Poipounder808wrote:

Kind of a no win situation for the Gov....if he names Hanabusa it looks like he is caving in to Sen Inouye, if he appoints someone else some people will say he has no respect.

on December 26,2012 | 09:34AM

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falsewrote:

Let the fun begin. The Hawaii democrats are split between the old guard and the young wannabees. Neil is in a dilemma between old cow Hanabusa and young squirt Schatz. Select Colleen and open up her position to Charles Djou. Select Brian and antagonize the old guard - and a possible run for governor by Colleen. Ho boy. More fun than watching the superbowl. Serves the dems right.

on December 26,2012 | 10:08AM

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Eagle156wrote:

Ed Case is the logical choice. He has the advantage of having been in Washington and can separate himself from the "children" who want it so badly.

on December 26,2012 | 10:16AM

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saywhatyouthinkwrote:

He's got a better chance of being governor in 2014 if he runs against the troll. I think he would win due to the lousy job the troll has done.

on December 26,2012 | 05:46PM

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ross13moonwrote:

Hanabusa looks like the WINNER!!!

on December 26,2012 | 10:50AM

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alliewrote:

I tried to tell you yesterday she was not goign to win. Insider told me

on December 26,2012 | 03:15PM

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fishwriderwrote:

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on December 26,2012 | 03:27PM

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ponowaiwrote:

The only insider allie knows is inside her head.

on December 26,2012 | 06:02PM

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KeithHaugenwrote:

Now, Neil, put politics aside and send the best qualified candidate, Esther Kia`aina, to the Senate. She is the only one of the three with DC experience and she would make a great senior senator from Hawai`i nei.

on December 26,2012 | 10:55AM

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alliewrote:

no she would not. We need to see if she can fairly represent all who live here.

on December 26,2012 | 03:27PM

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poidragonwrote:

Why should the citizen's of the State of Hawaii have to pay for a 'special election' when they have already cast their votes for the candidates they chose to fill those seats! This just goes to show that the Democratic Party in Hawaii is out of touch with what the people actually want! The selection of either Schatz or Hanabusa will trigger a special election that will strain the States finances, when it does not need it! This selection process is to fill the Senate seat for the remaining 2 years of Inouye's term in office, so why spend more money than it absolutely necessary, and letting the best candidate choose to run for the open seat in the next election; not to mention that gov Abercrombie has stacked the deck in his favor, again showing that he does not care for the people in this state! Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa were both elected to a Congressional seat, but are choosing instead to 'get a free ride' and claim a higher political post than they are legally entitled to, as they already have a designated duty to a political office to fulfill by Hawaii voters!

on December 26,2012 | 11:05AM

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Lanikealohawrote:

Hanabusa, Schatz and Kiaaina nominated to replace Inouye- I think Esther should get it!

on December 26,2012 | 11:05AM

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alliewrote:

why? She has neevr been elected to anything

on December 26,2012 | 12:56PM

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kainaluwrote:

She's worked in DC for many years now. While her name isn't instantly recognizable here locally, in DC a lot of members of Congress and their staffs know her well. She probably has more "experience" than all the rest of the congressional representatives we have now. I sense your angst towards her could be because she's a strong advocate for Hawaiian entitlements - as Inouye was. Don't hate.

on December 26,2012 | 03:46PM

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alliewrote:

More power to her but she cannot honestly or credibly represent 80% of the population here thus she is not qualified.

on December 26,2012 | 04:27PM

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kainaluwrote:

Being an advocate for Hawaiian entitlements precludes her from representing the entire constituency how??? Every politician can't be everything to everybody.

on December 26,2012 | 06:21PM

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islandhulawrote:

Although I am disappointed in their choice to omit Tulsi, I must say I'm impressed by their putting Kia Aina in the mix.

on December 26,2012 | 11:07AM

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JoeKanewrote:

Have to agree with you islandhula I'm pleasantly surprised Esther made the list but Hanabusa is a more probably choice, however I'm hoping for Schatz !

on December 26,2012 | 11:40AM

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Oahuan2wrote:

Hanabusa would be the absolute best choice to fill Mr. Inouye's seat. As for Mr. Schatz, he talks as if once he is appointed the seat will be his forever. Not so, sir. You have to be able to bring it home like Dan did or you will never win reelection regardless of how young you are. It is not a life appointment position. It is an elected position. Never forget that. AND Colleen can do it. Even Dan thought so. Surely the state that voted Inouye in all these years should honor his final request.

on December 26,2012 | 11:12AM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

Just to "honor his final request"? No. Take into account his opinion? OK. But as good a man and as good a Senator as Mr. Inouye was, "honoring his final request" has no place in our governance.

on December 26,2012 | 11:51AM

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64hoowrote:

that final request was bull. because the sa reported that dan wrote that letter 2 or 3 hours before he died. now someone in that frail and weaken condition could not make a letter that neatly written he probally would'nt be able to write. i think one of his aides wrote that letter because the senators aide was probally gonna keep there job if hanabusa had taken inouyes place. now with schatz there he can hire his own aides and get rid of dans aides. just my opinion which i feel is correct.

on December 26,2012 | 03:00PM

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Mythmanwrote:

Race will rule as it always does in Hawaii, even when everyone is in denial it is so.........

on December 26,2012 | 11:16AM

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IAmSanewrote:

Then how is it that we've managed to send Japanese, Chinese, Hawaiian, Caucasian, Indian, Filipino, and Jewish to Congress and to Washington Place? How many other states can claim to have accomplished anything close to that?

on December 26,2012 | 01:10PM

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IAmSanewrote:

Eh, sorry, Tulsi's Samoan, not an Indian.

on December 26,2012 | 01:14PM

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fishwriderwrote:

This comment has been deleted.

on December 26,2012 | 01:15PM

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Wazdatwrote:

Can't get any worse than it has gotten under the last 50 years of the SAME OLD school Dem control

on December 26,2012 | 01:40PM

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Changalangwrote:

Dan Inouye had become exactly what he had initially been selected to run against in that Revolution. Oligarchs are made of the same meddle, whatever uniform they where. He brought back much to Hawaii, but he demanded much in return in expressed loyalty and obedience. Dissidents now have their chance to defy the gravity of oligarchy, and live up to what they dreamed they could once be if given a chance. Regarding Caucasians, they were made the power when Hawaiian Monarchy chose to marry foreigner over Hawaiian. All the Great One's work was forever undone. The last reigning Queen's name was Mrs. Dominis. Does Princess Pauahi Bishop ring a bell as well?

on December 26,2012 | 07:22PM

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Manoa_Fishermanwrote:

The only problem with Schatz thinking that only young people should be considered for the US Senate is the fact that it does take a fair amount of intelligence to function on the national level. Schatz is not smart enough to be a US Senator, at Lt. Govenor he is at the pinnaclle of his career as a politician. The "Peter Principle" defines Schatz's political career as the level of his incompetence. If Abercrombie appoints Schatz, he can go looking for another job in two years as well.

on December 26,2012 | 11:16AM

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WF808wrote:

How can someone who only obtained 5.7% of the Democratic District 2 primary vote beat someone who obtained 54% to win that same primary? The Democratic Central Committee has already forgotten that being "out of touch" with its constituency is what allowed Linda Lingle to fool many Democrats into voting for her as Governor.

on December 26,2012 | 11:18AM

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CriticalReaderwrote:

Gabbard needs to vote a few times so that we can see what she's really all about. I don't think we have a clear picture of that. Lots of airbrushing literally and figuratively has been done on her. Her voting record is going to tell the true story.

on December 26,2012 | 11:58AM

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jameschingwrote:

aloha. it will be esther kia'aina as our next hawaii us senator. schatz made his choice when he ran for lt governor. abercrombie does not like the idea of the late senator to extend his power from the grave to have hanabusa to replace him.

on December 26,2012 | 11:48AM

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Venus1wrote:

Hanabusa...please...!!

on December 26,2012 | 12:04PM

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alliewrote:

Hanabooboo has too many dark corners hon. We don't need scandals now..we need Brian to lead us

on December 26,2012 | 03:16PM

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maximuswrote:

1 fair choice, HANABUSA, 2 bad choices..................Oh My!

on December 26,2012 | 12:07PM

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LanaUlulaniwrote:

Here we go again. People fighting for power like vermin. However I am glad that her Royal Highness Tulasi Gabbard was not selected as a finalist.

She introduced Bill 54 which allows American government to HARASS less fortunate people in Hawai'i. I am SO glad she was not a finalist!!!

on December 26,2012 | 12:07PM

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IAmSanewrote:

I admire your enthusiasm.

on December 26,2012 | 01:13PM

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Kawipoowrote:

Mediocre candidates for a mediocre state. Looking at all the comments proves my point.

on December 26,2012 | 12:12PM

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alliewrote:

well said..glad we have some honesty in here

on December 26,2012 | 12:56PM

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ponowaiwrote:

Again, then why did you say schotz was a good pick? We're you just reporting what the voices in your head said?

on December 26,2012 | 06:11PM

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Anonymouswrote:

I'm genuinely curious as to why Ed Case was not a "serious" contender for nomination. His name barely appeared in the media. He did, after all, serve for years in the House of Representatives and ran a legitimate campaign against Senator Akaka in 2006. If we're concerned about experience and longterm leadership potential, why is he being overlooked, while newcomers like Schatz and Kiaaina get the nod? Also, considering how much more informed of the issues he seemed than Hirono in the recent primary, I'm further shocked at his omission. Is this the "Good Ole Boys" of the Democratic Party at work? Or is there something else I'm missing?

on December 26,2012 | 12:57PM

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Publicbraddahwrote:

I agree. I think Case was on Inouye's s-list for defying his order not to run against Akaka and so he was on the s-list of Hawaii Democrats.

on December 26,2012 | 01:19PM

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niceyniceywrote:

I like Ed Case, too. However, he's too moderate and too independent of the Democratic party. Impressive coup for Schatz. And he didn't even have to lift a finger!

on December 26,2012 | 06:35PM

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papayawrote:

I think I agree. I really can't understand Kiaaina's nomination. As the news mentioned, she's never won a single election. And going from DLNR to the Senate? Please! Things like this really make me question any future votes for Hawaii Democrats. What an injustice to our political system.

on December 26,2012 | 09:14PM

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papayawrote:

I'm genuinely curious as to why Ed Case was not a "serious" contender for nomination. His name barely appeared in the media. He did, after all, serve for years in the House of Representatives and ran a legitimate campaign against Senator Akaka in 2006. If we're concerned about experience and longterm leadership potential, why is he being overlooked, while newcomers like Schatz and Kiaaina get the nod? Also, considering how much more informed of the issues he seemed than Hirono in the recent primary, I'm further shocked at his omission. Is this the "Good Ole Boys" of the Democratic Party at work? Or is there something else I'm missing?

on December 26,2012 | 12:58PM

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Bothropswrote:

CNN called it as Schatz 2009, KGMB streaming now.

on December 26,2012 | 01:12PM

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Highinthesierraswrote:

Schatzie - young enough to become the next King of Pork - Hawaii lives on pork.

on December 26,2012 | 01:12PM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

Isn't there a disconnect between Brian being a Jewish guy and the title King of Pork?

on December 26,2012 | 03:33PM

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turbolinkwrote:

Now the citizens of CD1 and CD2 know who will stick by them when the grass looks greener elsewhere. Keep that in mind in Nov 14. Good call, Gov Abercrombie.

on December 26,2012 | 01:15PM

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Pacej001wrote:

Schatz.... thus proving, once again, that having a pulse is the primary qualification for high office in Hawaii.

on December 26,2012 | 01:23PM

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Pacej001wrote:

I forgot. A pulse and good cholesterol numbers.

on December 26,2012 | 01:45PM

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fishwriderwrote:

This comment has been deleted.

on December 26,2012 | 02:44PM

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Pacej001wrote:

I'm laughing, not crying. And speak for yourself poster.

on December 26,2012 | 04:38PM

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nonpoliticwrote:

Congratulations to Mr. Schatz. I personally don't think he was the best choice, but the decision wasn't mine to make. I wish him well and hope that he represents the state the way the Late Senator Inouye would.

on December 26,2012 | 01:28PM

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Shawn211wrote:

"Beam me up Scotty".........NOW !!

on December 26,2012 | 01:32PM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

Energizing... Bye.

on December 26,2012 | 02:41PM

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primo1wrote:

The Kobayashi Maru in full effect - a no-win scenario if I ever saw one. Although had Hanabusa been selected that would've been the most EPIC failure of all...

on December 26,2012 | 01:35PM

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Venus1wrote:

Disgrace....my opinion...talk about 'no resume'...

on December 26,2012 | 01:37PM

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Wazdatwrote:

GREAT NEWS...... So glad Neil gave it to our FRESH, YOUTHFUL and HONEST senator Mr. Schatz.....

I'm sure Mr. Obama is STOKED...

on December 26,2012 | 01:38PM

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Wazdatwrote:

Why does the SA send my comment of GREAT NEWS for approval ????/

on December 26,2012 | 01:42PM

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tinapawrote:

I was hopeful that Case would be in the top 3, but since he was not, the Governor's choice is a good one because the Lt. Gov. is a moderate and that is what we need in Washington not those who are just there to advance their idelogical purity. We need to shore up the dwindling number of moderates because they are the saviour of our country.

on December 26,2012 | 01:45PM

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Wazdatwrote:

AGREE. this is a GREAT DAY for the FUTURE of HAWAII.

on December 26,2012 | 01:52PM

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Lindallwrote:

GREAT CHOICE Govenor !!!!!!! Thanks for holding strong and doing what is right and best for our state. Schatz is the best choice and is young enough to possibly really fight for us in the future. Grateful for all Dan did for our state but the position belongs to the residents of this beautiful state and no one else.

on December 26,2012 | 01:47PM

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Wazdatwrote:

AGREE...

on December 26,2012 | 01:50PM

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alliewrote:

agree

on December 26,2012 | 03:28PM

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niceyniceywrote:

But he's only got a future if he gets elected 2014. I think there is a good chance that may not happen.

on December 26,2012 | 06:37PM

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cahelajwrote:

I don't think his feet will fit into Senator Inouye's shoes!! Good luck to him though, hope he does well for Hawaii!!

on December 26,2012 | 01:48PM

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Wazdatwrote:

Remember when Mr. Inouye got to DC ? He had no more experience than Brian. GREAT CHOICE !!!

on December 26,2012 | 01:51PM

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inversewrote:

I know you are trying to prop up Schatz but please. You do more harm than good by trying to compare Schatz to Inouye and although I don't think you mean it, you actually denigrate Inouye and his accomplishments. Inouye's "experience" prior to going to to DC was fighting heroically as a US soldier on the battlefield in WW2 against external enemies like Nazi Germany AND human prejudice by his own countryment that judged people by their physical appearance alone. Schatz doesn't even come close to Inouye's life experiences and bravery prior to becoming a senator. Your lack of sensitivity is this area is telling of your age range (ie in Schatz's generation) and gender.

on December 26,2012 | 03:26PM

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falsewrote:

What a turn of events for Schatz family? Never mind governor, go right to the top, Senator. Wow! Congratulations. Wish you the best and much success for Hawaii. Hope you can think independently and sustain the ethics this country needs in Washington. Maybe this is a new hope for the future. Maybe another Hawaii president. Interesting turn of events. The power of it all.

on December 26,2012 | 01:52PM

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AndrewWaldenwrote:

PHOTO Brian Schatz campaigning at the home of Larry Mehau. Mazie too:
http://www.hawaiifreepress.com/ArticlesMain/tabid/56/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/884/Big-Island-Rancher-Larry-Mehau-Hosts-Community-Rally-for-Sen-Akaka.aspx

on December 26,2012 | 01:52PM

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Changalangwrote:

So, what's your point?

on December 26,2012 | 02:01PM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

Nice move Governor.

on December 26,2012 | 01:53PM

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eastside808wrote:

What makes Schatz think he has a lock on the Congressional position when he says he can build up seniority. Need to perform and bring home the bacon which he will be hard pressed to do. Gov Abercrombie just saved the State a bunch of money since we dont need a special election had Hanabuse or some other Congressional delegate have been selected.

on December 26,2012 | 01:56PM

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bgrpphwrote:

Schatz is the better choice. Goood calll Gov! Now Mazie still gets to be the first Asian female Senator and we get a male rep in the delegation. Neil is like King Sol:)

on December 26,2012 | 01:58PM

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Changalangwrote:

The emperor is dead; long live the King. There is no question who is calling the Schatz in the Hawaii Democratic Party in the post Dan era. A New Day for a New Way FORWARD, with President Obama. Brian rocks ! Bold Move, Gov. Congrats on your legacy. :D

on December 26,2012 | 02:06PM

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Changalangwrote:

Sorry, about the re-post. Had to dance around "approval". Hmmm.

on December 26,2012 | 02:18PM

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paradisetaxwrote:

Hanabusa must be fuming.

on December 26,2012 | 01:58PM

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Wazdatwrote:

luv it

on December 26,2012 | 02:15PM

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alliewrote:

yup

on December 26,2012 | 04:29PM

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aieananiwrote:

If Colleen Hanabusa was Dan Inouye's choice, that's good enough for me. How dare Abercrombie go against a dying man's wish. NO HEART, NO INTEGRITY!! I can't wait until you're out of office.

on December 26,2012 | 02:01PM

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Wazdatwrote:

Oh please, Dan was NOT the KING of Hawaii.

on December 26,2012 | 02:15PM

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aieananiwrote:

I'm saying this powerful Senator chose who he thought could best continue his vision, that should have been honored.

on December 26,2012 | 02:31PM

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Wazdatwrote:

NO WAY. Dan with all due respect was 88 years old and past his time.

on December 26,2012 | 02:37PM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

We have laws in Hawaii, not a monarchy. Senator Inouye's opinion had great value, but it wasn't his decision to make.

on December 26,2012 | 02:42PM

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alliewrote:

well said..and, frankly, Dan was not the Dan of old

on December 26,2012 | 03:29PM

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turbolinkwrote:

How would you know, you've only been a guest in this state for three years, right?

on December 26,2012 | 04:50PM

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turbolinkwrote:

How would you know? You've only been a guest in Hawaii for three years, right?

on December 26,2012 | 04:52PM

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HanamauluBoywrote:

The old man (Senator Inouye) going come the Governor tonight and going give him bachi. LOL.

on December 26,2012 | 04:53PM

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HanamauluBoywrote:

The old man (Senator Inouye) going come haunt the Governor tonight.

on December 26,2012 | 04:57PM

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lee1957wrote:

Not Dan's decision to make, boo hoo.

on December 26,2012 | 07:28PM

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bboopswrote:

This was a GOOD CHOICE!!
He does not need to fill anyone's shoes just follow the footprints and create his own path. He is young and can do it
for Hawaii. Give him a chance to make his mistakes and learn from it!!

on December 26,2012 | 02:02PM

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Wazdatwrote:

AGREE

on December 26,2012 | 02:14PM

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Eagle156wrote:

Perhaps Brian could hitch a ride to Washington tonight on Air Force 1 with the president

on December 26,2012 | 02:02PM

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inversewrote:

poster from Shapiro's article: steelinhome wrote:
"the white House will tell Governor Abercrombie who to pick, and I don't think it will be Representative Hanabusa". steelinhome go it right. What it came down to is Schatz had the backing of Obama (ie Punahou connection and Schatz was Obama's Hawaii point person for his election/re-election campaign) and that is all that mattered. Schatz backed Obama and Obama returned the favor.

on December 26,2012 | 02:03PM

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Wazdatwrote:

It was still the BEST choice to make either way. I doubt Obama had ANY say in this, he has much more IMPORTANT things to do.

on December 26,2012 | 02:14PM

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inversewrote:

In no way. If Obama had MORE IMPORTANT things to do why did he eave Washington DC during the impending "fiscal cliff" to vacation in Hawaii, and even though he spent ONLY a few days in Hawaii, his trip cost taxpayers millions of dollars, then immediately fly back to DC to deal with the fiscal cliff? If Schatz did not have friends in high places he would have never been chosen. Hanabusa was supposedly Inouye's choice and most Hawaii residents expected the Gov and Demo party to honor Inouye's dying request.

on December 26,2012 | 02:33PM

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Changalangwrote:

We now have a senior Senator from Hawaii who will have a close friend in the White House, and a Hawaii born President who will have yet another friend in the Senate. Where is the down side?

on December 26,2012 | 02:17PM

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DowntownGreenwrote:

I believe that would be in the Republican party.

on December 26,2012 | 02:32PM

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Changalangwrote:

I often wondered what lies beneath the bottom of the barrel. Glad we won't have to find out. :D

on December 26,2012 | 03:13PM

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inversewrote:

I am not a Schatz fan but I agree with you 100%. Can only help to have the 'Punahou connection' between the President of the US and a new Senator from Hawaii. Obama is definitely loyal to his friends and backers by the fact that when he comes back to Hawaii to vacation he still invites Bobby T to play golf together.

on December 26,2012 | 02:39PM

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Changalangwrote:

Obama and Schatz were not even at Punahou at the same time though, considering the age differences. I don't think it is a connection so to speak. It appears that Punahou breeds success, independent of connections. The school appears to produce success in every field competitive on a global playing field. Hawaii is lucky to have such a great school and other good schools. Iolani produced a great Mayor, and he will only be hailed for his accomplishments in retrospect by historical examination of record. The good news about the Governor's bold play is that the 2012 election season is finally over. No more Special Elections and Hawaii gets Colleen and Tulsi in the House and Brian and Mazie in the U.S. Senate. We get to keep Blake and Esther in the Executive where they are doing great work. We also get a new to be appointed LG, and maybe even a new Sate Senator as a replacement appointment. Talent abounds and overflows everywhere. The stress of Hawaii elections are put to rest and we all move FORWARD together as a unified Ohana. Win, win, win situation looking at things from the outside in.

on December 26,2012 | 03:10PM

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alliewrote:

Let us work to make our public schools just as good!

on December 26,2012 | 03:30PM

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Changalangwrote:

Umm, let's not get carried away. Four words; Felix Consent Decree Legacy. You can't stir the flies into the pudding and tell the Collegiate Admissions Director it is only raisins when you serve it to him/her. The best schools in Hawaii get to pick the ripest fruit for their orchards. One cannot Race To The Top when one's pockets are full of rocks. Perhaps Hawaii should invest more education dollars in Job Corp. Sad, but true.

on December 26,2012 | 04:24PM

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niceyniceywrote:

I agree, Changalang. That is why it is unfair to compare public schools with private schools.

on December 26,2012 | 06:42PM

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islandhulawrote:

Very nicely said, Changalang :)

on December 26,2012 | 05:35PM

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Bdpapawrote:

Yup, he was a backer of Obama from the beginning. This is no surprise.

on December 26,2012 | 03:31PM

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Changalangwrote:

The emperor is dead; long live the King. There is no question who is calling the Schatz in the Hawaii Democratic Party in the post Dan era. A New Day for a New Way FORWARD, with President Obama. Brian rocks ! Bold Move, Gov. Congrats on your legacy. :D

on December 26,2012 | 02:04PM

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Wazdatwrote:

AGREE

on December 26,2012 | 02:12PM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

The screams you hear are from Mazie............

on December 26,2012 | 02:13PM

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Changalangwrote:

It is okay; her mother and her can exchange a hug. All joking aside. Mazie has always been a strong second when the big decisions come down on placement; it is her destiny. Wonder if Tulsi will run against Mazie in 2018?

on December 26,2012 | 02:40PM

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Maneki_Nekowrote:

True. Mazie is a born #2. In part because lower numbers are not available. Hehe. I think it inevitable that Tulasi takes her shot anytime it is available. Between now and then exponential growth in the power of social media, the unavoidable generational transition and disappearance of the faithful Old Guard Kepani will provide huge horsepower to Tulasi. Should she actually accomplish something during this training period, that would be double plus good, too.

on December 26,2012 | 03:18PM

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Changalangwrote:

Tulsi is being molded by the best in the business, and with every next passing of one more from the Greatest Generation, Hawaii moves closer to the dawning of a New Day. Dan has been gone about a week now, and already he feels miles away as the State moves FORWARD and further down a path stained by the solutions of yesterday. I look around at fellow Democrats and they seem more relaxed; kind of like when the teacher left the classroom to use the potty. Liberty can be intoxicating. The past Dan gave us cannot be beat, but the future we provide by ourselves will truly be the rewards of a group effort.

on December 26,2012 | 03:37PM

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localguywrote:

Music to my years. Hmmm, she is sooooo far off key.

on December 26,2012 | 02:40PM

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alliewrote:

huge set back fro Hanabooboo..she thought she had it in the bag.

on December 26,2012 | 03:31PM

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target_lockwrote:

And so begins the 2014 elections-if we don't run out of paper ballots. So remember (potential) 2014 candidates, start filing in your nomination papers, and hope the Office of Elections will have enough paper for the ballots and printing ink, so the state will have lots of (recycle) paper left over.

on December 26,2012 | 02:05PM

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Changalangwrote:

Don't worry; we are going to 100% mail in to avoid such issues. ;)

on December 26,2012 | 02:14PM

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Changalangwrote:

The emperor is dead; long live the King. There is no question who is calling the Schatz in the Hawaii Democratic Party in the post Dan era. A New Day for a New Way FORWARD, with President Obama. Brian rocks ! Bold Move, Gov. Congrats on your legacy. :D

on December 26,2012 | 02:06PM

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SteveToowrote:

So much for "Dan's" last request. Thanks Neil!

on December 26,2012 | 02:18PM

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localguywrote:

SteveToo - Bureaucrats, any bureaucrat, no matter who they are, does not have the right to pick their replacement. Hanabusa just didn't meet the standards to take over. All those years in the beltway Dan had no idea what was going on with Hanabusa. Fresh blood was needed, not another recycled, clueless bureaucrat.

on December 26,2012 | 02:40PM

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Wazdatwrote:

Yup

on December 26,2012 | 03:01PM

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64hoowrote:

as neil would say your welcome. i made a good choice.

on December 26,2012 | 03:05PM

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MakaniKaiwrote:

steelinhome wrote: The white House will tell Governor Abercrombie who to pick, and I don't think it will be Representative Hanabusa. How convenient for the LG POTUS flies out tonight. Air Force One: Buff –n- Blue “All Aboard”........Hanabata is pi$$ed . Aloha.

on December 26,2012 | 02:26PM

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Wazdatwrote:

Oh poor Hanabada. She should be happy she has a job at all in DC.

on December 26,2012 | 02:36PM

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Bdpapawrote:

Here's an early prediction. Say becomes Lt. Governor and stays 2 years and retires with his high 3.

on December 26,2012 | 02:29PM

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Changalangwrote:

He can get high 3 anyway. He retired as Speaker; not the elected Rep. of HD 20.

on December 26,2012 | 02:41PM

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Bdpapawrote:

Yeah but Lt. Governor is a higher paying job and thus his high 3 goes up quite a bit.